NBC News reports:
Ian Kilmister — also known as Lemmy, of the British heavy metal pioneers Motörhead — died Monday at age 70 of “extremely aggressive cancer,” the band said.
Kilmister — who legendarily survived diabetes and implantation of a heart defibrillator — was diagnosed with the disease just two days ago, the band said in a statement.
“There is no easy way to say this,” Motörhead said. “Our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer.
“He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it’s way down the street, with his family,” the band said. “We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words.”
Motörhead had canceled several recent performances because of what the band said was a lung infection.
The band had to stop short its September 1st concert in Austin, Texas, with Kilmister telling the audience, “I can’t do it,” and walking offstage. The band blamed altitude sickness — Kilmister had recently spent time in Colorado — and said it was looking forward to going back out on the road in February.
Kilmister, a raw-voiced singer and powerful heavy metal bassist, formed Motörhead in 1975 and was its sole remaining original member. The band’s 22 albums included the landmarks “Ace of Spades” — and the hit single of the same name — Overkill and No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith.
Its most recent album, Bad Magic debuted at Number One in much of Europe and hit the Top 40 in the United States. The titles of several other of its hits and albums can’t be reproduced on a family-friendly website.
Prominent rock musicians have lobbied in recent years for Motörhead to be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Acts like Black Sabbath and Green Day have said it helped to form their musical philosophies, citing it as a foundational influence in heavy metal and punk rock.
Lost one of my best friends, Lemmy, today. He will be sadly missed. He was a warrior and a legend. I will see you on the other side.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) December 29, 2015
#RIPLemmy A true rocker from beginning to end. We’ll all see you there, soon enough. pic.twitter.com/80wflIsTEf
— Joe Perry (@JoePerry) December 29, 2015
Lemmy RIP….@myMotorhead my condolences to his family..
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) December 29, 2015
source: nbcnews.com
17 Responses
Lemmy will be missed but his music and impact will live on.
He was an authentic person and that is rare these days….especially in entertainment.
Thanks for all the great shows and music.
RIP
Ok, anyone who has seen the documentary “Lemmy” knows there is no way he was surrounded by family! Maybe one or two people could fit in that cramped Lemmy temple!!
Lemmy lived and went out on his own terms. For those of you that remember, a perfect song for Lemmy’s legacy is the Sinatra classic, “My Way.” Lemmy grabbed life by the balls, abused his mortal shell and went out like a fuckin legend. No rehab, months of pouring over Lemmy death watch, he was a pro. Rest easy Lemmy, job well done.
rest in peace leeemmmmmmmmyyyyyy
I am honored to have fellowshipped with him at JUMBO’S CLOWN ROOM ~ a memory I will cherish forever! Eternal Peace to you and yours ~ we are all in awe of you!
I was totally in thrall to MTV rockers like Def Leppard, Cinderella, Quiet Riot, even Grim Reaper, when a younger dude in a denimn vest full of patches loaned me that black album with the dog-with tusks logo on the front. Couldn’t believe the treble on Lemmy’s bass, was like another guitar. It was bad-ass without the theatrical trimmings. Beyond the music, Lemmy’s personality confirmed the axiom that the biggest starts are often the greatest people.